Wheel Hubs
About Wheel Hubs
The hub is the center of the wheel. It holds the wheel bearings and the axle, and the spokes of a laced wheel run from it out to the rim. Riders shop this category when a hub is damaged, when they are building or restoring a spoked wheel, or when they want a different look in chrome or black. The listings include bare hubs and also complete spoked wheels, so read each title closely.
Wheel listings pack a lot into the title: front or rear, the spoke count, rim diameter and width such as 16x3.5, the axle size and the finish. The spoke count matters because a rim has to match the hub it is laced to. Axle size, for example 3/4 in. or 1 in., has to match your bike's axle, and it changed on some models over the years, so check the model year range. Brake setup counts as well: whether the bike has one front disc or two, and whether it has ABS, changes which hub or wheel fits. The listings here are mostly for Harley-Davidson models, with a few for off-road bikes.
Brands here include Excel, HardDrive, Arlen Ness, Dubya and Fire Power. Pick your bike in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. A new hub or wheel is a good time to renew the bearings, so see Axles, Bearings, Seals & Spacers, and see Wheels & Rims and Wheel & Tire Packages for other ways to refit a wheel. The group is Wheels, Tires & Parts.
FAQs on motorcycle wheel hubs
What is the difference between a hub and a complete wheel?
A hub is the center piece that carries the bearings and axle. A complete laced wheel also has the rim and spokes already assembled to the hub. Some listings in this category are bare hubs and some are complete wheels, so read the title and description.
What do the numbers like 16x3.5 and 48-SPK mean in a wheel listing?
The 16x3.5 is the rim diameter and width in inches, so a 16-inch rim that is 3.5 inches wide. The 48-SPK is the number of spokes. Both must suit your bike, tire and brake setup, so check them against what your model uses.
How do I know which axle size my wheel needs?
The axle must match the bore of the hub and the axle on your bike. Listings give the axle size, such as 3/4 in. or 1 in., and some models changed sizes between years. Check the year range in the listing, and measure your existing axle if you are unsure.
Does a new hub have to match my brakes?
Yes. The hub or wheel has to suit the brake rotors and, on some bikes, the ABS parts. Check whether your bike has one front disc or two and whether it has ABS, then pick a listing that names that setup for your model.
Do I need new bearings when I change a hub?
A hub change is a good time to fit new bearings and seals, because the old ones may be worn. Check the listing to see whether bearings come with the hub, and look in the bearings category if they do not.
